Sweet and Spicy Burdock

This is the classic Japanese technique for burdock. The key to success with this dish is to cook down the finishing sauce until it becomes a syrupy glaze.

Serves: 4 as a side

Ingredients

2 medium burdock roots

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce

1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions

Mix together tamari, vinegar, and honey in a small bowl and set aside.

Scrub burdock with a nylon brush to remove any soil. Whittle thin sticks of burdock, as though sharpening a pencil. Try to keep them a consistent thickness to ensure even cooking. Heat the sesame oil over high heat in a wok or large skillet. Add the burdock and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until it just softens. Add the crushed red pepper and the tamari mixture. Continue to stir-fry over high heat until the sauce becomes a shiny glaze on the burdock. Serve immediately.